The Devil Incarnate

Chapter One

"Ah, ah…Jesus…ohhh…don’t stop, Emma Casey said, exhaling into Derby Cain Casey’s ear. I’m coming…Harder, baby…I’m coming. Her body arched, and then she went still. Good Lord, mobster, Emma said, opening her eyes lazily when Cain pulled her fingers out. You do give new meaning to good morning. That was fantastic."

Cain moved to lie on her back and opened her arms to her wife. She loved these early mornings after Emma fed Billy and he went back down for a few more hours. It’d been four months since the birth of their third child, and they were enjoying the routines that revolved around the baby. Watching Emma with him made her thankful for all they had.

Those are the chances you take by exposing your breasts in here, Cain said, running her hand down Emma’s back to her butt.

I’ll have to remember that. Emma moved to lie on top of her, smiling when Cain put both hands on Emma’s ass. You make me feel so good.

That’s my job, and only my job. She gave Emma a mock glare. Remember, I’m the jealous type.

The truth is, you’ve ruined me for anyone else, so no worries. Emma lowered her head and kissed the side of her mouth. And I’m beginning to think my hormones will never get back to normal. Emma rolled them over again, seeming to like the position this morning.

Are you okay? She pressed her thigh harder between Emma’s legs when she started rocking against her again.

I’m fine, but I’m afraid of wearing you out if the craving for sex doesn’t start to slow. Emma lifted her hips when Cain put her hand between them. It wasn’t like this the last time.

Lass, IRS audits are something to complain about, she said, pressing her fingers against Emma’s clit. "You craving sex isn’t something I’ll ever think of as a bad thing. She kissed her way down Emma’s body until she reached the top of her sex. That you’re wet and ready for me is a gift, never a hardship."

I love the way you talk to me, but right now I need you to shut up and put your mouth on me. Emma lifted her hips and spread herself open. Fuck, she said when Cain flattened her tongue and swiped up hard and fast. Emma grabbed Cain’s hair and held her in place. Put your fingers in…I need you to put them in.

The way Emma moved and demanded she go harder proved that the first orgasm of the day hadn’t done much to calm the need in her. Cain smiled when Emma slammed her legs together, effectively trapping her head between her thighs. She didn’t let up and stilled her fingers when Emma let out a long moan and then pulled on her hair to get her to stop.

I love you so much, Emma said when she came up and held her. The declaration sounded weepy, but Cain was getting used to that as well. It was true that Emma’s hormones weren’t back to normal, but the doctor had said she was a long way from postpartum depression and to give it time.

You okay? she asked a few minutes later when Emma wiped her face with the sheet.

This time it’s more from you overwhelming me than from anything bad. You’re that good, so live with it.

That’s true, but if you need to talk to me, I’m here every night. She was used to the kidding as well, but she still worried that there might be something lurking under the surface that brought on the tears. Emma was here, and she’d never been happier, but she’d never take her job as Emma’s partner lightly. Her life would be empty without this woman.

That I know and give thanks for all the time. Emma lifted her head and kissed her. You and the kids are the best things in my life.

We love you, so don’t ask me not to worry a little bit, she said, wiping away the rest of Emma’s tears.

I know that about you too, and do you know what the best thing is to knock the worry right out of your head? Emma moved to put her knees between Cain’s legs.

What’s that? She almost forgot how to form words when Emma dragged her hard nipples over her chest and down her abdomen.

My mouth on your clit.

Shit, she said as Emma sucked her in. The feel of Emma’s tongue on her clit made her close her eyes and lift her hips. Emma was relentless, and she kept her hand behind Emma’s head until Emma was done driving her insane. When she could finally speak again, she said with a smile, You would make a fortune as a psychologist. Your bedside manner is impeccable.

You’re right, but I’m dedicated to the one patient I love, Emma said and laughed. Now that you’ve performed your marital duties, what’s on tap for today?

I’ve got Muriel coming over. She called last night and has some news. Then I have to talk to Fin. She spoke softly as the room started to fill with light. In an hour, everyone in the house would be up and getting ready for the day. Their lives were fast paced, and these quiet times with Emma were what fortified the armor she needed to navigate her days.

Still nothing when it comes to Fin’s situation? Emma sat up and held out her hand. Want to share a shower with me? You reek of sex, she said, winking.

With any luck, I’ll be in the same situation tonight. She got up and scooped Emma into her arms, getting a squeal out of her.

That’s a given. Emma kissed her all the way to the bathroom and stood behind her when she put her down to adjust the water temperature. Are you free for lunch?

I am, and I already made a reservation, if you don’t mind Remi and Dallas joining us. Remi said Dallas had some questions about their reception, and your valuable input is needed.

I keep telling her the woman standing next to her is the most important part, Emma said, putting her arms around Cain’s waist. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t obsess over every little thing too, until I got that ring on your finger.

You know damn well that I was yours, ring or no, from the day you spilled beer on me. She jumped a little when Emma pinched her nipple.

Don’t go rewriting history, mobster. I had to chase you down plenty before I convinced you that you couldn’t live without me. Remi is cut from that same cloth, and I give you both credit for being spectacular at the partner job once you commit. Emma ran her soapy hand over her chest and kissed the spot over Cain’s heart.

Thank you, my love, and there’s no doubt I’m all yours. As for Remi, she’s in the same boat I am. When you talk to Dallas today, go ahead and tell her our idea for the reception. It’s a way of controlling the guest list as well as keeping the watchers out.

We can cover it at lunch, and then I’m getting the rest of what we’ll need for the end of this week.

Mardi Gras was in full swing, and the city was full of tourists as well as locals enjoying the free show. They were a block from the St. Charles Avenue parade route, which had necessitated doubling the guards on the wall around the property. Big crowds heading to the parades meant a large number of strangers walking around the house, and the guys on the wall discouraged loitering. She wasn’t letting her guard down again when it came to her family.

Anything you need me to do?

They were flying up to the house they’d built on Emma’s father’s property, and they were taking a crowd with them. The remote area known for dairy farming was a godsend, allowing them to get away from the ever-present FBI agents who followed her around daily. They’d added five guest cottages on Ross Verde’s property, leaving the house by the lake for just them and the kids.

Hayden and Hannah were finally enjoying cousins to play with, thanks to Fin’s return, and Abigail’s three children. As the family grew, so would the accommodations to house them all. That’s what all the hard work was about. Having her family around her was why Cain dedicated herself to making their lives bulletproof. The money was secondary to the sanctity of family.

Just tell me we’re ready to go. She soaped Emma’s back and spent more time than necessary on her backside.

We are, but have you broken it to Hannah yet? She’s not going to like leaving Lucy behind. Their daughter Hannah had grown attached to her school pal Lucy, who had divorcing parents and constant drama in her young life. The little girl seemed to spend more time with them than at home, and that meant more interaction with Lucy’s mother, Taylor Kennison.

I wanted to talk to you about that, Emma said, stepping out as she shut the water off. Don’t give me that face, honey.

I’m not giving you a face, but please tell me you didn’t invite the fictitious Drew and Taylor. She accepted a towel and thought about those two again. No matter how much Muriel, her law associates, Finley, or Merrick dug, they didn’t exist in any database. She had enough to worry about without adding any more unknown elements to her plate.

As if, but I did want to talk to Taylor about Lucy coming with us, if you agree, Emma said, kissing the top of her shoulder from behind. The woman had come by their house a couple of times to complain to Emma about her cheating husband and his shitty ways. Cain wasn’t buying that either.

She turned and laughed as she kissed the top of Emma’s head before moving to hang up her towel. Why are you even asking me? If I say no, I’m the bad guy.

That’s not true and you know it. Emma pressed up against her naked back. I did want to clear it with you, though. I’ll agree that there’s something not right about these people, but Lucy is stuck in the middle. It’s not fair to her, and she’s really hurting.

That was true, and it was never fair when kids got caught in their parents’ drama, whatever it was. Talk to Taylor and see what she says. They might want to keep Lucy in town for the holiday, but she might enjoy spending time with Finley’s three as well as Hannah.

You’re the best, mobster.

I know, she said, slapping Emma on the ass. You said it a few times this morning.

✥ ✥ ✥

Cain finished dressing and headed downstairs as Emma got Hannah and Hayden up for school. Both kids looked like her, but they took after Emma and her love of sleeping in. It took everything short of dynamiting them out of bed to get them going in the morning.

Muriel was waiting for her in the office, reading over a file. When she glanced up, Cain wanted to groan at Muriel’s expression. Go ahead and tell me. Cain stared at the ceiling and shook her head, waiting for Muriel’s report. It sounded like a stampede of out-of-control cattle above them, and she smiled at the sound. Hannah knew only one way to move in the world, and that was at full throttle. No matter what you’ve heard, I seldom kill the messenger.

There’s always a first time, Muriel said and laughed.

She smiled, liking that Muriel was almost back to the cousin she’d grown up with. After the death of her Uncle Jarvis, she’d been afraid she’d lose Muriel to the pain and guilt. Muriel had been hard to reach, but what had cut through all that was the same thing that had saved Cain when she’d lost so much. The love of a woman had finally given Muriel hope for her future. That the union had the potential to bind their family to the Jatibons was an added bonus.

I understand that life is a bag of shit sometimes, cousin, but we have no choice but to shovel through it. That or throw it back in the yard it came out of. Cain sighed and lowered her head. Helping Fin and Abigail wasn’t up for debate, but… She sighed again. But it’s going to haunt us until the ghosts of the past are put to rest in a more permanent way.

Special Agent Finley Abbott of the FBI was now on her payroll, and she’d given her the keys to the kingdom. Fin was her first cousin and someone she didn’t feel any differently about than Muriel or Katlin—her trust in her was absolute. After dedicating herself to hunting down scum who dealt in human trafficking, Finley had retired because of her last case. That’s where she’d met Abigail Eaton and her three children. Fin had fallen in love with Abigail as well as the children, but she’d also taken on Abigail’s problems. Those problems weren’t simple to fix, even with Cain’s inventive problem-solving skills. Getting it wrong would come with stiff penalties.

Do you honestly think Nicola Eaton is still alive? Muriel appeared skeptical, but Cain believed Abigail, the one woman alive who knew Nicola best.

Nicola Eaton, or Nicola Antakov, had been Abigail’s partner and also owned the Hell Fire Club in town. Cain had kept an eye on it from the opening, but brothels weren’t her style. There were plenty of supposed bad guys in New Orleans, but the Russian mob was a whole other animal, the kind you never turned your back on. Then again, there were brothels, and then there was the Hell Fire Club.

Hell Fire was a place where every sexual appetite, no matter how depraved, was catered to. That was fine—whatever two consenting people thought was fun was okay. To each his own. The problem was that only the customers were having fun. The women under Nicola’s control were trapped in servitude and not many escaped alive.

Nicola’s parents David and Valerie are the only two I’m sure about. The Eatons were a dead subject. They’d met with her and asked for Abigail’s head on a pike, selling a story about being poor grandparents losing a battle to see their grandchildren because of their bitch birth mother. That lie—not to mention the reason they really wanted Abigail found—was why they’d paid at the end of Finley’s spray of bullets. All I know is to trust the person who knew her best, and Abigail says she’s not dead.

But why the ruse?

Fin might be the answer to that, or should I say Special Agent Abbott holds the answer. Fin’s investigation was getting close, so Nicola did the best thing she could to get her head out of the noose. If you’re trapped with no escape, what better than death to throw the feds off your ass? She thought about the tall woman who’d introduced herself as Nicola Eaton the night they’d met at Ramon Jatibon’s club, and the way she’d carried herself. There was no denying Nicola was a bitch, no matter what last name she went by. So go ahead and tell me what you have to say.

I got a call from an associate in New York, and she told me there’s plenty of money on the street here for any information about you. Whoever can get the full story on you is in for a big payday.

I had no idea I was that interesting, She glanced at her watch when she heard the running above her heading for the stairs, with Emma talking loudly. Any idea who’s behind it?

Not yet, but I offered up more cash to make it a two-way street of information.

Good, that’s one more thing we’ll have to discuss when we head somewhere I don’t feel so hemmed in. Do you have time for breakfast? She stood and took off her jacket, then draped it over the back of her chair.

Lead the way.

Hannah Marie Casey, if you don’t stop running I swear… Emma said as Cain reached the bottom of the stairs in time to catch Hannah when she jumped from the seventh step up. Why must you encourage her? Emma asked as she gripped the railing and seemed to start breathing again.

Because fearless people come to rule the world, Cain said, kissing Hannah’s cheek. Isn’t that right, Hannah girl? What do you say?

Sorry, Mama, Hannah said, appearing anything but as she gazed up at her mother with a smile.

She put Hannah down when Emma handed her the baby. You’re as incorrigible as she is. Emma’s hand stayed on Cain’s arm as Emma stuck her tongue out at her.

Lassie, you say that like it’s a bad thing, she said as she put her free hand around Emma’s waist.

I should spank you for teaching your daughter bad things, but you’re not lying. You always follow through. Emma shook her head as they headed for the kitchen.

The baby jumped in her arms when he saw their longtime housekeeper Carmen and lunged at her when they were close enough. There’d been plenty of changes around the house with the addition of family, but none more surprising than Ross and Carmen’s budding romance. She had a feeling Dallas and Remi weren’t going to be the only ones planning a ceremony in the future now that Ross was almost free of Carol.

Mom, don’t forget I’m going to the movies with my friends after school, Hayden said when she sat down.

I haven’t forgotten, and here. She handed over three twenties.

This was the fourth time he’d mentioned it, so she was starting to suspect the friends weren’t his buddies from the all boys school he attended. Remember that Mook stays with you, she said of Hayden’s longtime guard.

You know it, and I’ll be home by seven or so.

Make it seven on the dot, Emma said, and her tone meant it would be unwise to argue. It’s a school night, so lose the pout, son. Besides, I’m sure the girl’s parents will agree with me.

Yes, ma’am, Hayden said, and Cain had to laugh.

Now you see why I never step out of line, she said to him and winked at Emma. Finish eating, and Mama and I will give you a ride to school.

She smiled as the kids talked nonstop about their friends and school. The only surprising thing was that Hannah had stopped talking about Lucy as much. That she hadn’t mentioned her once today meant there was something wrong, but Hannah had a way of clamming up whenever she asked too many questions about her best friend.

Do you feel okay, Hannah? Emma asked, seeming to have figured out the same thing.

Hannah nodded but stayed quiet as she shoved eggs in her mouth. Are Liam and Tori coming with us to Grandpa’s? Hannah said after a long pause, clearly changing the subject.

Abigail’s youngest two were common sights around their house after they’d fallen in love with Hannah. Sadie, the oldest at ten, liked to read and help her mom with her siblings, and Hannah loved her as well. Cain was hoping Fin would move the relationship along, which meant taking legal responsibility for Abigail’s children. It was the honorable thing to do, and it would also drive Nicola out of whatever hole she was hiding in. Not that she wanted to use the family as bait, but that was one of the only ways to find someone who’d died as effectively as Nicola.

Everyone’s coming, so you’ll have plenty of people to play with. Are you finished? she asked, pointing at Hannah’s plate.

All ready, Mom. Hannah picked up her dirty dishes and handed them to Carmen.

They left with an entourage of guards, and Cain stared at the van a house down from them. This time it was a plain panel van, and she got a kick that the neighbors took turns calling the police about it. It had been months since she’d seen any of the people inside, but they were always there. She couldn’t imagine such a boring existence. All they did was watch her bring her kids to school, take her wife out on dates, and go to the office. The slipup they were waiting on was never going to happen unless she lost her senses. Wishful thinking on their part if they thought that was in their future.

Hayden was dropped off first, and they headed back uptown for Hannah’s school. She walked Hannah to the front door and shook hands with the young woman who was now Hannah’s teacher. The old bitch who’d given their daughter such a hard time was history, and the young woman who’d taken her place was someone Hannah adored.

Are you going to be good? she asked Hannah as she crouched to Hannah’s level.

I’ll give it my best shot, Hannah said, smiling because her answer had made Cain laugh.

That’s the best we can ask for, kid.

Is there trouble in paradise? she asked Emma when she got back in the car. Lucy is usually waiting for her at the door, and Hannah never mentioned her this morning.

I’m not sure, but I’ll talk to her this afternoon, Emma said, taking her hand. Want me to call Dallas so you and Remi don’t have to listen to wedding plans?

You have me all wrong, darlin’. I love weddings. It’s the romantic in me.

You are that, and you gave me a wedding I loved. Emma rested her head on her shoulder and sighed. Then do you mind if I go shopping before we meet them for lunch? We have that thing tonight, and I’m not quite down to my usual size.

Cain hadn’t been around when Emma had given birth to Hannah, but she was like this after Hayden. Emma wasn’t vain about her appearance per se, but at times it took a little persuasion on her part to convince her she looked good. You’re not upset, are you? I happen to love the size you are, so buy whatever you want, but forget about any crazy diets. You’re beautiful and sexy. She lifted her arm and put it around Emma’s shoulders.

You’re good for my ego, honey. If you want, drop me at home, and I’ll have the guys drive me.

I’m headed in that direction, and I have some time to kill, so I’ll come with you.

Emma looked at her as if she wanted to say something but ended up smiling and putting her head down on her shoulder again. She pulled Emma close, thinking. There was some inkling at the edges of her subconscious that understood what was coming. She’d taken something precious from Nicola Eaton, and there’d come a time when she either had to pay for that or mete out more punishment. Killing enslaved women to save your own ass proved what kind of people the Eatons were. That meant Cain’s family was fair game.

That terrified her more than anything she’d ever faced. She’d lost her parents and her siblings to dishonorable men, but losing Emma or any of their children would put her in the grave. Planning and vigilance were the only ways to face this, but Nicola was coming, and when the day arrived, she wanted to be the one left standing, with her family unharmed. Until then, all she could do was stay close and worry in silence and hope that she’d put enough layers between the threat and those she loved.

You can talk to me too, you know, Emma said softly as she stuck her hand in her shirt and rubbed the skin of her abdomen. I’m easy to find most nights.

That I know, lass, but sometimes I have to find a way to put things. She kissed Emma’s forehead and exhaled deeply. Do you understand?

I understand it’s more like you trying to figure out how to say it so it won’t worry me, Emma said, lifting her head and kissing her. I love you more than life, but you’re so infuriating sometimes.

No sugarcoating, huh?

See, that’s why they made you the head of our clan. You get the answer right without a lot of prompting, Emma teased and kissed her again.

We’ve come a long way from that beer bath, lassie. She wanted to chuck the day and spend it naked with Emma.

We have, love, but there’s plenty more road to travel. All I’m asking is you keep showing me the map.

The car stopped, and it was too early for the shopping center to be open, but a man in a great suit stood outside waiting. I promise, and I’m sorry for stewing in silence.

Don’t worry. I’ll whip you into shape once I get you alone again.

Chapter Two

Do you know what my father used to say about failure? Nicola Antakov asked Nina Garin. Nina had been the only one her father had trusted with the fact she was still alive, and she was the one who’d come and told Nicola the news of their deaths.

No, ma’am. Nina put her teacup down and maintained eye contact.

It’s a sign of weakness. You show weakness and the world will finish you off. The apartment in Trump Tower was beautiful and a gift from her father, but it had become a prison. No matter how beautiful the bars.

There was no way to know that Casey would double-cross Mr. Antakov and your mother. That’s more a lack of honor than a failure, Nina said, as if knowing exactly what she wanted to hear. But to be fair, I can’t prove Casey had anything to do with this. From what your father reported, she’d agreed to help them.

I don’t believe that, so don’t insult me by repeating it. It’s time to join the land of the living and get what’s left of my family back. She’d been living as Crista Belchex for the last year and a half, and she’d used the time to heal. It was no lie that the plane carrying her and her twin, Fredrick, had gone down, but death wasn’t in the cards. I refuse to let my children grow up not knowing me.

We need to shore up our support before we can do that, Nina said, clicking her mouth closed when she seemed to realize she’d overstepped.

What did I just say about failure? she screamed. The pain that shot from her jaw to her right temple made her stop and breathe deeply. There were certain injuries the doctors had told her wouldn’t go away, and the nerve damage she’d sustained was something she could do nothing about. The other most noticeable souvenir the accident had left her with was her limp. Damn.

The family lost plenty of ground when your cousin gave over all the ledgers. Please don’t take that as an insult—it’s fact. Nina didn’t stand but did appear wary. She’s never been found, and your aunt Yula is worried about her sons.

Her father had placed too much stock in family. Just because you carried the Antakov name didn’t buy you loyalty. Linda Bender was her cousin, her father’s niece, and she’d screwed them and run. Linda had been trusted with the ledgers that contained their entire operation, going back to her grandfather arriving from Russia. The day her parents had left for New Orleans to cut a deal with Casey about Abigail, Linda had allowed the FBI to raid the warehouse where all the paper was stored.

Don’t say her name in my presence. The other person who’d pulled a disappearing act was Boris, her father’s fixer, and that couldn’t be a coincidence. Who knew such a big man could run so scared? And don’t say we can’t prove what she did.

I wouldn’t, Nina said, because that one I know for sure. Linda took enough money to fund her disappearance with her brothers, and it’ll take time to find her. I also know we need to regroup and formulate a plan going forward, Nicola. What you need to understand is all this has left us in chaos. The men aren’t ready to accept you as the boss, even after you come back from the grave after Yury’s death. They see you as taking the easy way out while some of them went down without backup from the family. We need to give them something that’ll solidify their reason to follow you.

How about a few of their heads on a plate? I’m my father’s heir, and they’re going to have to accept that or die, she said, rubbing her temple. The pain in her head was just slightly less than the pain in her hand, but that was an old injury. Be ready to move. I’m going to deal with Abigail and her betrayal, and I’ll deal with the rest when I get back.

Who do you want to bring with you?

Let’s keep it small. There’s no reason to invite trouble if someone notices us. Choose the people you know aren’t going to be a problem. The ones who know who’s boss. She motioned Nina away, wanting to lie down for a little while. And make the flights to Biloxi, not New Orleans.

What’s in Biloxi?

Money, casinos, and answers.

✥ ✥ ✥

The sound of the pounding surf was relaxing Jerome Rhodes as he got a massage on the balcony of his room. He’d escaped the tourists overrunning Cabo San Lucas in search of warm weather and had come to Malibu to find some quiet. He’d brought only a few men and his new bedmate, Daniela Navarro. Once Gustavo—formerly Juan Luis—and his mother, Gracelia, were dead, he’d returned to the house Gracelia had owned and taken over. No one had questioned him, and the number of men he now had meant no one ever would.

Unlike the Luis family and the rest of the thugs like them, he was taking it slow and building his business so it’d be impossible to penetrate. The first part of his methodical plan to not only start his own operation but to be the biggest distributor in the United States was to get rid of the competition without firing a shot. That was the most important lesson he’d learned watching people from small shitty vans. Cain Casey ruled an empire, and the bitch used her brain more than her muscle.

Casey would be no competition, though. Drugs weren’t her game. No, the current king, Hector Delarosa, had gotten soft with his move to New Orleans. All he’d done from his arrival in the city was chase Casey like a lovestruck teen, but nothing he did got Casey to bend. It was like he kept trying new ways to change her mind and couldn’t accept Casey wasn’t into drugs. It was rather pathetic.

No, Casey had grown fat and rich off liquor and cigarettes, but she didn’t have the stomach for where the real money was. Casey was a wannabe in a man’s world, and when the time came, he’d pay her back for the loss of his life and name. He’d gone to Rodolpho Luis, then his nephew Juan, as a last resort to bring the smug Casey down, but the only thing he’d accomplished was to lose everything that had defined him. He’d screwed up so badly, there was no going back. Anthony Curtis was dead, and he’d be Jerome Rhodes to the grave.

Señor, his right-hand man, Pablo Castillo, said softly. I’m sorry to disturb you, but I have news.

Take a break, he told the masseuse. The woman they’d sent up had good hands and was beautiful. After he dealt with Castillo, he was going to offer her enough to spend the rest of the afternoon massaging something else for him. It didn’t matter that he had Daniela with him. When you were the boss, you could indulge in whatever you wanted.

The men call me— Castillo started, but Jerome lifted his hand to shut him up.

Not out here, he said, already annoyed. I keep telling you—there’s always someone listening. That he knew for sure from his old life. Listening and watching people get rich doing whatever the hell they wanted had fueled his rage once upon a time. Now he knew power belonged to those courageous enough to take it. What? He turned the television on and brought his tone down considerably.

"The men call me, and Hector’s fields are